Pouch arrangement for distributing material and methods

ABSTRACT

A pouch arrangement includes a distribution aperture arrangement in a gusset member. The gusset member is covered with a removable cover. A zipper closure selectively exposes and closes the gusset member. At an opposite end, a handle arrangement is provided. The pouch construction may be filled with a flowable material through an opening adjacent to the handle arrangement with the zipper unengaged and the gusset expanded and covered by the removable cover. A seal can be applied between the handle arrangement and the gusset to close the opening. The filled pouch is then displayable by resting it on the expanded gusset, with the zipper closure unengaged and the distribution aperture arrangement covered by the removable cover. In use, the removable cover is removed to expose the distribution aperture arrangement. Flowable material is allowed to pass through the distribution aperture arrangement in the gusset. After use, the gusset end of the pouch is closed by engaging the zipper closure.

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S.provisional patent application 60/910,860 filed Apr. 10, 2007.Application 60/910,860 is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a bag or pouch arrangement. In particular,this disclosure relates to an arrangement from which a flowable materialcan be readily distributed by a user. The disclosure also concernsmethods for making and using such arrangements.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of items include materials which, in use, are dispersedor spread over an area. Many of these items are flowable material, suchas dry powder or particulate materials including grass seed, plantnutrients, salt pellets, insect dust, and chalk.

In use, such materials are generally dispersed over some materials. Forthose materials that dispersed over the ground or plants, sometimesmechanical spreading equipment is used. While the equipment can beeffective, it is often large, bulky, and is generally only desirable ifa relatively large amount of material is to be spread over a relativelylarge area.

In many instances, mechanical spreading equipment is not appropriate. Inaddition, mechanical spreading equipment may need to be thoroughlycleaned between uses, which can be inconvenient. In some instances,spreading has involved either hand spreading or spreading with a handtool. This can be inconvenient and messy.

The assignee has developed a pouch arrangement and methods to addressthese problems, described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,126,318; 5,882,120;5,709,479; and 6,375,037, each of these patents being incorporatedherein by reference. This disclosure concerns improvements over thepouch arrangement and methods described in the aforementioned patents.

SUMMARY

A pouch arrangement is provided. The pouch arrangement includes firstand second opposed panel sections, with each of the panel sectionshaving a first end edge, a second end edge, and opposite side edgeportions extending between the first and second end edges. The first andsecond panel sections are secured to one another along at least aportion of the panel section side edge portions to define a pouchconstruction interior and opposite side edges. A base gusset memberhaving a distribution aperture arrangement extends between the first andsecond panel sections adjacent to the second end edges across an end ofthe pouch construction interior. A removable cover member is oriented onthe base gusset member to cover the distribution apertures. At least onehandle aperture extends through the first and second panel sections at alocation oriented adjacent to the first end edges. A zipper closure issecured to the first and second panel sections adjacent to the secondend edges and is selectively closable and openable to permit selectiveexposure of the base gusset member.

In another aspect, a method of making a pouch arrangement includesproviding first and second opposed panel sections, with each of thepanel sections having a first end edge, a second end edge, and oppositeside edge portions extending between the first and second end edges. Thefirst and second panel sections are secured to one another along atleast a portion of the panel section side edge portions to define apouch construction interior and opposite side edges. A base gussetmember is secured between the first and second panel sections adjacentto the first and second end edges across an end of the pouchconstruction interior. The base gusset member has a distributionaperture arrangement and a removable cover member oriented to cover thedistribution apertures. The zipper closure is adjacent to the second endedges and is selectively closable and openable to permit selectiveexposure of the base gusset member. At least one handle aperture ispunched through the first and second panel sections at a locationoriented adjacent to the first end edges.

A method of filling a pouch arrangement includes providing a poucharrangement having first and second ends and an interior; a base gussetmember having a distribution aperture arrangement which is covered witha removable cover, the base gusset member being adjacent to the secondend and providing a closed second end; and an unengaged zipper closuresecured to the pouch arrangement adjacent to the second end. At leastone handle aperture extends through the pouch arrangement adjacent tothe first end. The method includes at least partially filling the poucharrangement interior with a flowable material through an opening at thefirst end, and after at least partially filling the pouch arrangementinterior, closing the first end by providing a closure across the poucharrangement and between the handle aperture and the base gusset member.

In another aspect, a method of using a pouch includes providing a pouchhaving a first and second opposed panel sections defining an interior, afirst end, and a second end; at least one handle aperture is adjacent tothe first end defined by the first and second panel sections; a seal isbetween the first and second panel sections and is between the handleaperture and the second end; a stand-up gusset is adjacent to the secondend and extends between the first and second panel sections; thestand-up gusset has a distribution aperture arrangement which is coveredwith a removable cover member; an unengaged zipper closure is secured tothe first and second panel sections adjacent to the second end; and aflowable material is in the interior. The method includes removing thecover member to expose the distribution aperture arrangement, and thendistributing at least a portion of the flowable material through thedistribution aperture arrangement.

The disclosure includes within its scope; empty pouch arrangements withan opening at the first end to be filled with material; poucharrangements with material filled and stored; pouch arrangements with aseal adjacent to the first end; methods of distributing materialutilizing such pouch arrangements; methods of preparing and making suchpouch arrangements; and methods of displaying such pouch arrangements ina stand-up configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a first embodiment of a pouch arrangementconstructed according to principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a pouch construction having the samefeatures as the pouch construction of FIG. 1 but being sized indifferent relative dimensions;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a pouch arrangementconstructed to principles of this disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a pouch arrangement with the same featuresas FIG. 3 but depicted in a different size.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A first embodiment of a pouch arrangement is depicted in FIG. 1 at 20.The pouch arrangement 20 depicted in FIG. 1 includes a pouchconstruction 22 made up of first and second opposite panel sections 24,26. Each of the panel sections 24, 26 has a first end edge 28, a secondend edge 30, and opposite side edge portions 32, 34 extending betweenthe first and second edges 28, 30. The first and second panel sections24, 26 are secured to one another along at least a portion of the panelsection side edge portions 32, 34 to define a pouch constructioninterior 36 and opposite side edges 38, 40.

A base gusset member 50 extends between the first and second panelsections 24, 26 adjacent to the second end edges 30. The base gussetmember 50 includes a distribution aperture arrangement 52 therein. Inthe embodiment shown, the distribution aperture arrangement includes aplurality of apertures 54, depicted as circular apertures 54.

A removable cover member 56 is oriented on the base gusset member 50 tocover the distribution aperture arrangement 52. In one embodiment, theremovable cover member 56 comprises an adhesively-backed cover member,such as a label.

At least one handle aperture 60 extends through the first and secondpanel sections 24, 26 at a location adjacent to the first end edges 28.In the embodiment shown, there are two handle apertures 61, 62 extendingbetween the first and second panel sections 24, 26. Preferably, thehandle apertures 61, 62 are sized to accommodate a normal adult-sizedhuman finger, including a gloved-human finger. In some embodiments, thefirst and second handle apertures 61, 62 are sized between 8 and 20 cm².

A zipper closure 70 is secured to the first and second panel sections24, 26 adjacent to the second end edges 30 and is selectively closableand openable to permit selective exposure of the base gusset member 50.

The embodiment of FIG. 2 shows a pouch arrangement 120 with the samefeatures as the pouch arrangement 20 of FIG. 1. The pouch arrangement120 has a different ratio of length to width than the embodiment ofFIG. 1. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the ratio of length to width isabout 1-1.5. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the ratio of length to widthis about 1.75-2.25. In the particular embodiments illustrated, the ratioof length of width of FIG. 1 is 1.2-1.3. In the particular embodiment ofFIG. 2, the ratio of length to width is 1.95-2.05.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 4 depicting pouch arrangement 220 and320, respectively, the features are the same as the embodiments of FIGS.1 and 2, with the addition of a pair of angled seals 280, 282 (FIG. 3)extending from the side edges 238, 240 to secure the base gusset member250 to the first and second panel sections 224, 226. The embodiment ofthe pouch arrangement 320 shown in FIG. 4 has the same features as thepouch arrangement 220 in FIG. 3. The only difference between the poucharrangement 320 and the pouch arrangement 220 is the ratio of length towidth. For FIG. 3, the ratio of length to width is the same as thatshown in FIG. 1 (about 1-1.5, for example 1.2-1.3), and the ratio oflength to width in FIG. 4 is the same as that as described above forFIG. 2 (about 1.75-2.25, for example 1.95-2.05).

A method of filling a pouch arrangement includes providing a poucharrangement, such as the pouch arrangement 20, with the base gussetmember 50 being covered with the removable cover 56. The zipper closure70 is provided in an unlocked or unengaged state, such that the gussetmember 50 can be fully expanded. The end opposite of the gusset 50(being the first end 28), is open, such that the first and second panelsections 24, 26 are not secured or sealed together in the vicinity ofthe first open end 28. The pouch arrangement interior 36 is filledthrough the opening at the first end 28. The material flows into theinterior 56 and is allowed to expand the gusset 50. Material does notflow through the gusset 50 because the cover 56 is blocking the flowpaththrough the distribution aperture arrangement 52. After the poucharrangement 20 is at least partially filled, the first end 28 is closedby securing the first and second panel sections 24, 26 together at alocation across the pouch arrangement 20 that is between the handleaperture arrangement 60 and the base gusset member 50. The first end 28will be closed by typically providing a seal along the portion shownschematically at reference numeral 75 between side edges 38, 40 and nearthe apertures 61, 62. The pouch arrangement is then usable by displayingit on a shelf by resting it on the gusset member 50, with the zipperclosure 70 unengaged, and with the removable cover 56 blocking theaperture arrangement 52.

In use, the user will remove the removable cover 56 from the gussetmember 50 to expose the distribution aperture arrangement 52. Materialis then allowed to flow through the apertures 54 from the pouch interior36. After distribution, the zipper closure 70 is locked or engaged tosecure the first and second panel sections 24, 26 together, which closesthe second end 30 and blocks flowable material through the distributionaperture arrangement 52 in the base gusset member 50.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

1. A pouch arrangement comprising: (a) first and second opposed panelsections; each of the panel sections having a first end edge, a secondend edge, and opposite side edge portions extending between the firstand second end edges; the first and second panel sections being securedto one another along at least a portion of the panel section side edgeportions to define a pouch construction interior and opposite sideedges; (b) a base gusset member having distribution apertures therein;the base gusset member extending between the first and second panelsections adjacent to the second end edges across an end of the pouchconstruction interior; (c) a removable cover member oriented on the basegusset member to cover the distribution apertures; (d) at least onehandle aperture extending through the first and second panel sections ata location oriented adjacent to the first end edges; and (e) a zipperclosure secured to the first and second panel sections adjacent to thesecond end edges and being selectively closeable and openable to permitselective exposure of the base gusset member.
 2. A pouch arrangementaccording to claim 1 wherein: (a) the removable cover member comprisesan adhesively-backed cover member.
 3. A pouch arrangement according toclaim 1 wherein: (a) the at least one handle aperture comprises at leasta first and second hole extending through the first and second panelsections; each of the first and second holes being sized to accommodatean adult-sized human finger.
 4. A pouch arrangement according to claim 1wherein: (a) the at least one handle aperture comprises at least a firstand second hole extending through the first and second panel sections;each of the first and second holes being sized 8-20 cm².
 5. A poucharrangement according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the base gusset member issecured to the first and second panel sections with a pair of angledseals.
 6. A pouch arrangement according to claim 1 further comprising:(a) a flowable material located in the pouch construction interior; and(b) a seal securing the first and second panel sections together; (i)the seal being between the side edge portions; and (ii) the seal beinglocated between the at least one handle aperture and the base gussetmember.
 7. A method of making a pouch arrangement; the methodcomprising: (a) providing first and second opposed panel sections; eachof the panel sections having a first end edge, a second end edge, andopposite side edge portions extending between the first and second endedges; (b) providing a zipper closure secured to the first and secondpanel sections; (c) providing a base gusset member having distributionapertures therein and a removable cover member oriented on the basegusset member to cover the distribution apertures; (d) securing thefirst and second panel sections to one another along at least a portionof the panel section side edge portions to define a pouch constructioninterior and opposite side edges; (e) securing the base gusset memberbetween the first and second panel sections adjacent to the second endedges across an end of the pouch construction interior; the zipperclosure being adjacent to the second end edges and being selectivelycloseable and openable to permit selective exposure of the base gussetmember; and (f) punching at least one handle aperture through the firstand second panel sections at a location oriented adjacent to the firstend edges.
 8. A method according to claim 7 wherein: (a) the step ofsecuring the base gusset member is before the step of securing the firstand second panel sections to one another.
 9. A method according to claim7 wherein: (a) the step of securing the base gusset member is after thestep of securing the first and second panel sections to one another. 10.A method according to claim 7 further comprising: (a) securing the basegusset member to the first and second panel sections with a pair ofangled seals.
 11. A method according to claim 7 wherein: (a) the step ofpunching is done before the steps of securing the base gusset member andsecuring the first and second panel sections to one another.
 12. Amethod of filling a pouch arrangement; the method comprising: (a)providing a pouch arrangement having: (i) first and second ends and aninterior, (ii) a base gusset member having a distribution aperturearrangement; the distribution aperture arrangement being covered with aremovable cover; the base gusset member being adjacent to the second endand providing closed second end, (iii) an unengaged zipper closuresecured to the pouch arrangement adjacent to the second end, (iv) atleast one handle aperture extending through the pouch arrangementadjacent to the first end; (b) at least partially filling the poucharrangement interior with a flowable material through an opening at thefirst end; and (c) after at least partially filling, closing the firstend by providing a closure across the pouch arrangement and between theat least one handle aperture and the base gusset member.
 13. A methodaccording to claim 12 wherein: (a) the step of providing a poucharrangement includes providing first and second opposed panel sections;each of the panel sections having a first end edge, a second end edge,and opposite side edge portions extending between the first and secondend edges; the first and second panel sections being secured to oneanother along at least a portion of the panel section side edge portionsto define the interior and opposite side edges; the first end edgesdefining the first end; and the second end edges defining the secondend; and (b) the step of closing the first end includes providing a sealbetween the first and second panel sections.
 14. A method according toclaim 12 further comprising: (a) after the step of closing the firstend, orienting the pouch arrangement on the second end by standing thepouch arrangement on the base gusset member, the zipper closure beingunengaged, and the base gusset member being removably covered.
 15. Amethod of using a pouch; the method comprising: (a) providing a pouchhaving first and second opposed panel sections defining an interior; afirst end; and a second end; (i) at least one handle aperture adjacentto the first end defined by the first and second panel sections; (ii) aseal between the first and second panel sections and being between theat least one handle aperture and the second end; (iii) a stand-up gussetadjacent to the second end and extending between the first and secondpanel sections; the stand-up gusset having a distribution aperturearrangement; the distribution aperture arrangement being covered with aremovable cover member; (iv) an unengaged zipper closure secured to thefirst and second panel sections adjacent to the second end; (v) aflowable material in the interior; (b) removing the cover member toexpose the distribution aperture arrangement; and (c) distributing atleast a portion of the flowable material from the interior through thedistribution aperture arrangement.
 16. A method according to claim 15wherein: (a) after the step of distributing, engaging the zipper closureto secure the first and second panel sections together and block flow ofthe flowable material through the distribution aperture arrangement inthe base gusset member.